Taoism’s Three Treasures to Survive and Thrive in a Crazy World
September 8, 2024
Tao Te Ching Translated by Gia-Fu Feng and Jane English https://amzn.to/3TnKkXW
In this episode, we engage in a scholarly discussion with Andrea Franchetto, a specialist in medieval esoteric manuscripts. The focus of our conversation is the critique of the term "grimoire" as traditionally applied to medieval magical texts. Andrea argues that this designation might not adequately capture the complexity and diversity of these documents. We explore an alternative typology that more accurately categorises these manuscripts according to their specific contents, purposes, and historical contexts. Andrea introduces recent academic findings that promise to enhance our understanding of medieval magical practices. This dialogue is essential for scholars and enthusiasts alike who are interested in the historical and academic nuances of esoteric manuscripts.